Mechanism for grasping implements, method of manufacturing same, and fastening devices employed therein

ABSTRACT

Plural resilient gripping members grasp the handle or shaft of a toothbrush. Two opposed sets of resilient gripping members are mounted in a recess in the body of the toothbrush holder to form a grasping mechanism. Because the gripping members are resiliently deformable, they will grip between one another brush handles that have a wide range of dimensions and profiles.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates generally to the field of implementholders. More particularly, the present invention relates to a universaltoothbrush holder that hygienically and conveniently holds virtually anysize toothbrush.

[0003] 2. Background Information

[0004] In recent years, the human factors design principles have beenincreasingly applied in the field of dental hygiene. This has resultedin many new toothbrush designs that are intended to provide moreeffective cleaning and/or be more ergonomically advantageous. One trendthat has resulted is that many new toothbrush designs have fatter (i.e.,increased circumference) handles than more traditional toothbrushes.

[0005] Another common feature of recent toothbrush designs targeted atthe juvenile market is forming the end of the toothbrush handle in theshape of the head of a cartoon character. These design features aretypically larger in size than the handle on which they are disposed.

[0006] This gives rise to a problem because old-fashioned toothbrushholders have fixed size apertures that are sized for traditional, thinhandled toothbrushes. The new toothbrushes with fat handles just won'tfit in the old holders. Referring to FIG. 1, a prior art toothbrushholder 102 (shown in detail view) has a fixed size aperture 104. Thehandle of a typical fat handle toothbrush 106 cannot fit through theaperture 104. As a result, prior art toothbrush holders like the oneillustrated in FIG. 1 work only for a fraction of the types and sizes oftoothbrushes that are sold or manufactured.

[0007] Referring to FIG. 2, one prior art attempt at solving thisproblem is illustrated. A toothbrush holder 202 has an aperture 204 witha narrowed portion 206. The head of a toothbrush 210 (shown in phantom)is inserted upwardly through the aperture 204 from below. The bristles212 of the brush 210 are squeezed up through the narrow portion 206 ofthe aperture 204 and rest directly on a surface 208 of the holder 202.Because the head of the toothbrush 210 is inserted into the aperturefrom below, rather than dropping the handle into the aperture from aboveas required by traditional holders, the holder of FIG. 2 avoids theproblem of how to hold toothbrushes with handles of varying sizes.

[0008] One disadvantage of the prior art holder 202 of FIG. 2 is that itis unsanitary. Germs may be passed from one person to another via thetoothbrush holder 202 because the bristles of the brushes come intodirect contact with the surface 208 of the holder 202. Additionally,because the bristles 212 rest in contact with the surface 208, thebristles are not free to air dry thoroughly, thus forming an environmentconducive to growth of mildew and other organisms. Furthermore, when thebristles 212 are forced through the narrowed aperture 206, they arecaused to spatter water droplets up into the air, thereby spreadinggerms to nearby surfaces, including the bristles of adjacenttoothbrushes.

[0009] An additional disadvantage of the prior art holder of FIG. 2 isthat it is inconvenient. Proper use of the holder 202 calls for the userto align the toothbrush head with the aperture from below. However, mostusers cannot directly view the underside of the holder 202. Thismaneuver is not difficult for many adults. However, for persons withimpaired motor skills (or for children), this can be a tricky,inconvenient task.

[0010] Another prior art solution to the problem of how to store fathandled toothbrushes is to simply stand the toothbrushes up in a cup.This is an unsuitable solution because it is unsanitary and unstable. Itis unsanitary because the bristles of different persons brushes are freeto come in contact with one another as they move about in the cup. It isunstable because the cup is prone to tipping over if too many brushesend up on the same side of the cup.

[0011] Simply making the apertures bigger is not a suitable solutionbecause that does not solve the problem of how to accommodate brusheshaving diverse shapes and sizes. Thin handled brushes or short handledbrushes would rest in the holder with their bristles on the surface ofthe holder, which is an unsanitary condition.

[0012] Thus, what is needed is a toothbrush holder than can holdtoothbrushes having varying sizes and shapes of handles. Additionally,what is needed is a grasping mechanism that will securely gripimplements of varying diameters and shapes.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] It is an object of the present invention to provide a toothbrushholder than can hold toothbrushes having varying sizes and shapes ofhandles.

[0014] It is another object of the present invention to provide agrasping mechanism that will securely grip implements having diversediameters and shapes.

[0015] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide amethod of manufacturing a toothbrush holder.

[0016] It is still another object of the present invention to provide afastening device for use in a toothbrush holder.

[0017] It is a further object of the present invention to provide atoothbrush holder that is sanitary and stable.

[0018] It is a still further object of the present invention to providea toothbrush holder than may be selectively removed from a wall mountingto be cleaned.

[0019] Plural resilient grasping members grasp the handle or shaft of atoothbrush. Two opposed sets of resilient grasping members are mountedin a recess in the body of the toothbrush holder to form a graspingmechanism. Because the grasping members are resiliently deformable, theywill grip between one another objects that have a wide range ofdimensions and profiles. A functionality of a holder embodying thisgrasping mechanism is that it enables almost any toothbrush to beinserted in a nearly effortless downward motion. As the toothbrushhandle is downwardly inserted into the grasping mechanism, when thedesired position is selected and the downward motion stops, the insertedtoothbrush will remain in that exact position until removed.

[0020] Some of the above objects are obtained by an apparatus forgrasping and holding implements. This apparatus includes a body and asupport structure connected to the body for supporting it. The apparatusalso includes one or more grasping mechanisms that are disposed in thebody, wherein each of the one or more grasping mechanisms has plural,opposed resiliently deformable grasping members.

[0021] Others of the above objects are obtained by a toothbrush holder.The toothbrush holder includes a body and a support structure connectedto the body for supporting it. The toothbrush holder also includes oneor more toothbrush graspers disposed in the body, wherein each of theone or more graspers has plural, opposed resiliently deformable graspingmembers.

[0022] Still others of the above objects are obtained by a fastenerdevice for affixing a resilient body to a rigid body. The fastenerdevice includes a pair of opposed, arcuate upright portions, and one ormore alignment members. Each of the alignment members is formedintegrally with and extends outwardly from one of the upright portions.The fastener device also includes one or more retaining lips, whereineach of the retaining lips is formed at the periphery of an extreme endof one of the upright portions.

[0023] Some of the above objects are also obtained by a method formanufacturing a gripping mechanism. This manufacturing method includesforming a main body having recesses, and forming plural grasping bodies,such that each of the plural grasping bodies has plural graspingmembers. The method further includes fastening the plural graspingbodies in opposed pairs in the recesses on the main body.

[0024] Certain of the above objects are also obtained by a graspingmechanism that includes two sets of plural resilient grasping members.For each of the two sets of plural resilient grasping members, each ofthe grasping members is substantially elongated along a respectivelongitudinal axis, and their respective longitudinal axes aresubstantially parallel to one another. The first set and the second setare arranged in proximate opposition to one another.

[0025] Additional ones of the above objects are obtained by a bracketfor mounting an object to a wall. The bracket includes a reversible bodyand double sided tape. The reversible body is shaped to fit via slidingengagement into a recess on the object to be mounted, the body having apair of opposed faces. The double-sided tape is affixed to one of theopposed faces. Plural countersunk holes are formed in the body, whereinthe holes are adapted to accommodate screw fasteners. The orientation ofthe bracket body for engagement with respect to the object (e.g., atoothbrush holder) is reversible such that the bracket is mounted to thewall either via adhesion of the tape, or via mechanical fastening byscrews.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

[0026] Additional objects and advantages of the present invention willbe apparent in the following detailed description read in conjunctionwith the accompanying drawing figures.

[0027]FIG. 1 illustrates a detail view of a prior art toothbrush holderjuxtaposed with the handle of a toothbrush.

[0028]FIG. 2 illustrates a detail view of another prior art toothbrushholder holding a toothbrush that is shown in phantom.

[0029]FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a toothbrush holderaccording to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0030]FIG. 4 illustrates a plan view of the toothbrush holder of FIG. 3.

[0031]FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of a toothbrush holderaccording to an alternate embodiment of the present invention.

[0032]FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of a one-sided grasping bodyaccording to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0033]FIG. 7 illustrates a plan view of the one-sided grasping body ofFIG. 6.

[0034]FIG. 8 illustrates a front view of the one-sided grasping body ofFIG. 6.

[0035]FIG. 9 illustrates an elevation view of the one-sided graspingbody of FIG. 6.

[0036]FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of a two-sided graspingbody according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0037]FIG. 11 illustrates a plan view of the two-sided grasping body ofFIG. 10.

[0038]FIG. 12 illustrates an elevation view of the two-sided graspingbody of FIG. 10.

[0039]FIG. 13 illustrates a front view of the two-sided grasping body ofFIG. 10.

[0040]FIG. 14 illustrates a detail view of a one-sided fastener deviceaccording to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0041]FIG. 14A illustrates a detail view of a two-sided fastener deviceaccording to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0042]FIG. 15 illustrates a perspective view of a toothbrush holderaccording to an alternate embodiment of the present invention.

[0043]FIG. 16 illustrates a perspective view of a toothbrush holderaccording to another alternate embodiment of the present invention.

[0044]FIG. 17 illustrates a perspective view of a wall mount bracketaccording to one aspect of the present invention.

[0045]FIG. 18 illustrates a partially exploded view of components of atoothbrush holder according to the embodiment of FIG. 3.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0046] Plural resilient grasping members grasp the handle or shaft of atoothbrush. Two opposed sets of resilient grasping members are mountedin a recess in the body of the toothbrush holder to form a graspingmechanism. Because the grasping members are resiliently deformable, theywill grip between one another objects that have a wide range ofdimensions and profiles.

[0047] The plural grasping members of each grasping mechanism arearranged in a manner that is intended to hold a generally elongateobject in a stable manner. Arranging the grasping members in parallelwith one another according to a staggered array distribution promotesstability of the holding function. That is because such an arrangementcauses the elongate object to come in contact with at least threegrasping members. At least two of those three grasping members willpreferably apply opposed reaction forces to the elongate object, therebyholding onto the object by friction force.

[0048] Any number of grasping mechanisms may be formed in the body ofthe holder, and the holder body may be configured in a wide variety ofshapes. The holder body may be mounted on a wall or in a cabinet. Theholder body may be freestanding for placement on a countertop.

[0049] Referring to FIG. 3, a perspective view of a toothbrush holder300, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, isillustrated. This toothbrush holder 300 is intended to be mounted to awall (not shown) via a fastening mechanism that is described in detailbelow.

[0050] Referring to FIG. 4, a plan view of the toothbrush holder 300 ofFIG. 3 is illustrated. The body 402 of the holder 300 has a pair ofgrasping mechanisms 406 formed in the right side 408 of the body 402,and a pair of grasping mechanisms 410 formed in the left side 412 of thebody 402. Each of the grasping mechanisms 406, 410 is formed in a recess414 in the body 402 of the holder 300. The grasping mechanisms 406, 410each have a first group of parallel grasping members 416, and a secondgroup of parallel grasping members 418. The body 402 of the holder 300has a large hold 420 surrounded by a raised, rounded lip 422 to form acup holder. The body 402 of the holder 300 is preferably formed of arigid polymer resin.

[0051] Referring to FIG. 5, a perspective view of a toothbrush holder500, according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention, isillustrated. This embodiment of the holder 500 has five graspingmechanisms, rather than four as in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 3& 4.

[0052] Referring to FIG. 6, a perspective view of a one-sided graspingbody 600, according to an embodiment of the present invention, isillustrated. The one-sided grasping body 600 provides groups of parallelgrasping members such as the second groups of grasping members 418 shownin FIG. 4. The grasping members are configured in this illustratedexample as two adjacent rows that are laterally staggered with respectto one another. Alternatively, the grasping members may be aligned withone another in a non-staggered configuration. Both the staggered andnon-staggered configurations are equally functional. The staggeredconfiguration is preferred for reasons of expediency of manufacture.

[0053] Referring to FIGS. 7-9, the one-sided grasping body 600 of FIG. 6is further illustrated in plan view, front view, and elevation view,respectively. The grasping body 600 has a main body 702 with twomounting holes 704 formed there through. An upper set of graspingmembers 706 extends outwardly from the main body 702, as does a lowerset of grasping members 708. The grasping member 706, 708 are preferablyaligned so that they are substantially parallel to one another. Thegrasping body 600 is preferably formed of a resilient (i.e., memoryresistant) polymer resin.

[0054] Referring to FIG. 10, a perspective view of a two-sided graspingbody 1000, according to an embodiment of the present invention, isillustrated. The two-sided grasping body 1000 provides groups ofparallel grasping members such as the first groups of grasping members416 shown in FIG. 4.

[0055] Referring to FIGS. 11-13, the two-sided grasping body 1000 ofFIG. 10 is further illustrated in plan view, elevation view, and frontview, respectively. The grasping body 1000 has a main body 1102 with twomounting holes 1104 formed there through. An upper set of graspingmembers 1106 and a lower set of grasping members 1108 extend outwardlyfrom the main body 1102 in a first direction. Another upper set ofgrasping members 1110 and another lower set of grasping members 1112extend outwardly from the main body 1102 in a second direction, opposedto the first direction. The grasping member 1106, 1108, 1110, 1112 arepreferably aligned so that they are substantially parallel to oneanother. The grasping body 1000 is preferably formed of a resilient(i.e., memory resistant) polymer resin.

[0056] Referring to FIG. 14, a detail view of a one-sided fastenerdevice 1400, according to an embodiment of the present invention, isillustrated. The fastener device 1400 is preferable formed integrallywith an underside of the body 1402 of the toothbrush holder, forexample, by an injection molding process. The base portion 1404 of thefastener device 1400 has a tubular configuration. Opposed arcuateupright portions 1406, 1408 extend from the tubular base portion 1402.Two alignment members 1412, 1414 extend radially outwardly from one ofthe upright portions 1408 and extend from the holder body 1402 to theextreme end of the upright portion 1408. A retaining lip 1410 extendsradially outward from the extreme end of the other upright portion 1406.Preferably, the upright portion 1408 having alignment members 1412, 1414also has a retaining lip 1416 at its extreme end, which extends betweenthe alignment members 1412, 1414.

[0057] The one-sided fastener device 1400 is sized to have a close fitwith the mounting holes 704 of the one-sided grasping body 600 (refer toFIGS. 6-9). The grasping body is retained on the fastening device 1400by the retaining lips 1410, 1416.

[0058] A fastener device according to the present invention may also beembodied as a two-sided fastener device 1420, which includes fouralignment members. In addition to the alignment members 1412, 1414 ofthe one-sided version, the two sided fastener device 1420 has twoalignment members 1422, 1424 that extend radially outward from theupright portion 1406. Thus, the alignment members 1412, 1414, 1422, 1424are arranged as two pairs with each pair extending radially outwardlyfrom one of the upright portions. The two-sided fastener device 1420 issized to have a close fit with the mounting holes 1104 of the two-sidedgrasping body 1000 (refer to FIGS. 10-13).

[0059] Referring to FIG. 15, a perspective view of a toothbrush holder1500, according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention, isillustrated. This alternate embodiment omits the cup holder feature andarranges the grasping mechanisms 1502 in a linear row along the frontedge 1504 of the body 1506 of the holder 1500. The number of graspingmechanisms 1502 is not critical; a single grasping mechanism or anyplural number of grasping mechanisms would be suitable. The holder 1500is mounted to the wall, via conventional fastening means, at the rearedge 1508 of the body 1506.

[0060] Referring to FIG. 16, a perspective view of a toothbrush holder1600, according to another alternate embodiment of the presentinvention, is illustrated. Rather than being wall mounted like the otherembodiments described above, the holder 1600 of this alternateembodiment is free standing. Plural grasping mechanisms 1604 arearranged around the periphery of the holder body 1602, which has a cupholder feature 1606 at its center. Support members 1608 secure the body1602 to a base 1610. The base 1610 is of sufficient size and weight torest stably on a nominally flat surface, such as a bathroom countertop.

[0061] Another aspect of the present invention is a fastening mechanismfor mounting the wall-mounted embodiments of the toothbrush holder to awall. Referring to FIG. 17, the novel fastening mechanism is areversible bracket 1702 that fits into a cavity (not shown) that isformed in the back of the toothbrush holder body. The bracket 1702 isreversible in order to provide a choice of alternative ways to fastenthe holder to a wall.

[0062] When oriented in a first direction, a first side 1704 of thebracket 1702 is fastened to a wall by inserting screws into a set ofcountersunk holes 1706, 1708 and then screwing the screws into the wall.

[0063] When oriented a second, opposite direction, a second side 1710 ofthe bracket is fastened to the wall by a piece of double-sidedindustrial strength tape (not shown). One side of the tape is exposedand fitted into the recessed portion 1712. The exterior side of the tapeis then exposed by peeling off a protective film and the second side1710 is then fastened to the wall

[0064] Using either scheme to fasten the bracket to the wall, the holderis then affixed to the wall by sliding the holder so that the bracketfits into the bracket cavity. An advantageous result of this mountingarrangement is that the toothbrush holder can be selectively removedfrom the bracket for washing, preferably in a dishwasher.

[0065] Holder apparatus according to the present invention aremanufactured according to a process described as follows. The body andother support structures (i.e., wall mount fastener or free standingsupport base) are formed of rigid materials. Polymer resins have beenfound to be a quite suitable material for these structures. Othersuitable materials include ceramic, wood, and metal.

[0066] Although the fastener device described above with reference toFIG. 14 was described as being integrally molded from plastic along withthe body of the holder, the invention may be embodied differently. Thefastener device may be formed separately of a material that is eitherthe same or different from the material of the body. The separatelyformed fastener is then affixed to the body either mechanically oradhesively.

[0067] As yet another alternative, other conventional fasteners (screws,rivets, etc.) may be used in lieu of the novel fastener disclosed above.

[0068] The grasping bodies are formed of a resilient, springy material.Polymer resins, such as synthetic rubber, have been found to be a quitesuitable material for the grasping bodies. The material ORALITE™ hasbeen discovered to be particularly suitable. Other suitable materialsinclude metal and carbon fiber. Additionally, the grasping bodies mayinclude grasping members that are formed of animal hair bristles orother organic material.

[0069] The grasping bodies are removably fixed to the body of a holder.The novel fastening devices disclosed above are most suitable forsecuring grasping bodies formed of resilient polymers. It is intendedthat the grasping bodies are to be removable for replacement by theuser, in the event that they break or wear out. That is one reason whythe novel fastening devices disclosed according to the present inventionare particularly useful.

[0070] In the alternative, conventional fastening schemes may beappropriate for grasping bodies formed of other materials such as metaland carbon fiber.

[0071] Referring to FIG. 18, the integration of the various componentsof a toothbrush holder according to the present invention is illustratedvia a partially exploded view. Four one-sided grasping bodies 600, aswell as two two-sided grasping bodies 1000 are fastened to the undersideof the holder body 402. A single bracket 1702 slides into a cavity (notshown) in the holder body 402.

[0072] The present invention has been described in terms of preferredembodiments, however, it will be appreciated that various modificationsand improvements may be made to the described embodiments withoutdeparting from the scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus for grasping and holding implements,the apparatus comprising: a body; support structure connected to thebody; and one or more grasping mechanisms disposed in the body, each ofthe one or more grasping mechanisms having plural, opposed resilientlydeformable grasping members.
 2. A toothbrush holder comprising: a body;support structure connected to the body; and one or more toothbrushgraspers disposed in the body, each of the one or more graspers havingplural, opposed resiliently deformable grasping members.
 3. A fastenerdevice for affixing a resilient body to a rigid body, the fastenerdevice comprising: a pair of opposed, arcuate upright portions; one ormore alignment members each of the alignment members being formedintegrally with and extending outwardly from one of the uprightportions; and one or more retaining lips, each of the retaining lipsbeing formed at the periphery of an extreme end of one of the uprightportions.
 4. A method for manufacturing a gripping mechanism, the methodcomprising: forming a main body having recesses; forming plural graspingbodies, such that each of the plural grasping bodies has plural graspingmembers; and fastening the plural grasping bodies in opposed pairs inthe recesses on the main body.
 5. A grasping mechanism comprising: afirst set of plural resilient grasping members, each of the graspingmembers in the first set being substantially elongated along arespective longitudinal axis, their respective longitudinal axes beingsubstantially parallel to one another; and a second set of pluralresilient grasping members, each of the grasping members in the secondset being substantially elongated along a respective longitudinal axis,their respective longitudinal axes being substantially parallel to oneanother: wherein the first set and the second set are arranged inproximate opposition to one another.
 6. The grasping mechanism of claim5, wherein the grasping members in the first set are arranged in twolinear rows, and the grasping members in the second set are arranged intwo linear rows.
 7. The grasping mechanism of claim 6, wherein thelinear rows are arranged adjacent one another.
 8. The grasping mechanismof claim 7, wherein the grasping members in one of the two linear rowsare arranged so as to be staggered with respect to the grasping membersin the other of the two linear rows.
 9. The grasping mechanism of claim7, wherein the grasping members in one of the two linear rows arearranged so as to be not staggered with respect to the grasping membersin the other of the two linear rows.
 10. A bracket for mounting anobject to a wall, the bracket comprising: a reversible body shaped tofit via sliding engagement into a recess on the object to be mounted,the body having a pair of opposed faces; and double sided tape affixedto one of the opposed faces; wherein plural countersunk holes are formedin the body, the holes being adapted to accommodate screw fasteners.